Asia Cup 2025: Salman Agha sends ‘Strong Warning’ ahead of IND-PAK clash

Fresh off a dominant 93-run victory over Oman, Pakistan captain Salman Agha sounded both composed and confident ahead of his team’s highly anticipated Asia Cup clash against arch-rivals India on Sunday.

While the win over Oman was expected, it was the manner in which Pakistan executed their game plan that left fans and analysts optimistic. With runs on the board, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding, the performance was a complete one and it came at just the right time.

Speaking to the media after the match, Agha didn’t shy away from the challenge that awaits his side in the blockbuster encounter.

“We have been playing good cricket in the last 2-3 months and we just have to play good cricket. If we can execute our plans for a long enough period, we are good enough to beat any team,” he said, when asked whether the big win over Oman gives Pakistan the momentum they need going into Sunday’s clash.

It’s a message of belief, not bravado.

Building Form at the Right Time

Pakistan’s journey in the Asia Cup so far has been quietly effective. While their top-order continues to show consistency, it’s the middle-order resilience and bowling discipline that have started to come together – two areas that have historically been pressure points against India.

Against Oman, the bowlers made early inroads and never allowed the opposition to settle, while the batters put together a competitive total despite a slow start.

Salman Agha, who took over the captaincy mantle earlier this year, has been praised for bringing a sense of calm and tactical clarity to the team. His leadership has coincided with a period of stability, with Pakistan producing solid performances across formats in recent months.

The Big Test: Facing India

Now, though, comes the real challenge.

India enters the match in red-hot form, especially after dismantling the UAE, thanks largely to their fearsome spin attack led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy. Wasim Akram recently cautioned that Pakistan’s middle order could struggle against India’s spinners – especially on tracks offering turn and drift.

But Agha’s response suggests Pakistan is not fazed by the opposition, no matter how strong.

This mindset – focused on self-execution rather than opposition analysis could serve Pakistan well in a pressure-cooker clash like this one.

“Play Good Cricket” – A Simple but Powerful Mantra

In a tournament often filled with big words and bigger expectations, Agha’s message is refreshingly simple: stick to the plan, play good cricket, and believe.

For Pakistan, the key will lie in handling the pressure moments better than they have in the past – especially against an Indian side that thrives under the spotlight.

If they manage that, Agha’s belief that “we are good enough to beat any team” might not just be a quote. It could become reality.